Snowfall on Haven Point(50)
While she knew it was dangerous to spend more time with him, she also sensed he wasn’t eager to return to the enclosed space of his home. Fresh air and sunshine could only be beneficial.
“Why don’t we grab a bite to eat while we’re out?” she suggested after starting the engine but before she backed out of the parking space. “We can grab something to-go here in Shelter Springs and then have lunch at one of the scenic pullouts between here and Haven Point, overlooking the lake and the Redemptions.”
He looked startled at the suggestion but quickly warmed to it. “That sounds really nice, actually.”
“Any favorite places in Shelter Springs? I’ll admit, I’m not very familiar with the culinary offerings.”
He mulled the question for only a moment. “There’s a great sandwich shop a couple blocks from here. Ali’s. He’s a fresh sandwich genius and he has a drive-up window. I usually stop at least once or twice a week.”
“That sounds perfect. Just tell me how to get there.”
After he pointed her in the right direction, she pulled up to the window. Ali himself took their order and greeted Marshall like an old friend.
“What happened to you, Sheriff?” he exclaimed across Andie when he spotted the crutches and the orthopedic boot. His friendly, weathered face wrinkled with concern.
“It’s a long story. Once I’m back at work, I’ll try to stop in and tell you all about it.”
“At least you’ve got a beautiful woman to take care of you, right? Hello, my new friend. I’m Ali Bhattacharya.”
Andie was completely charmed by the man, who looked to be in his early seventies. “Hello, Mr. Bhattacharya.”
“My new friends call me Ali. Or darling. Whatever you prefer.”
“Stop flirting, Ali,” Marshall growled. “We just need a couple of sandwiches.”
“Always so serious, this one. No time for fun or beautiful women. Fine. What do you want?”
“I’ll have a club with your spicy mayo and a water.” He turned to her. “What about you?”
“Turkey. No cheese. Also water.”
“You got it. Two minutes flat.”
Mr. Bhattacharya bustled away and returned in the promised time with two bags overflowing with food. “Here you go. I threw in some of the orange nankhatai biscuits my friend the sheriff likes.”
“Thank you,” she said. She tried to hand him her debit card, but he shook his head.
“No, no. On the house.”
“You know I can’t take free food from you, Ali,” Marshall said. “It’s against department rules.”
“You did not take any free food. It is a gift for your beautiful woman, as I am sure she has earned it and more, having to take care of a grouch like you.”
Andie couldn’t help but laugh. “He obviously knows you well,” she said. “Thank you for the lunch,” she added to Ali. “I will pay you twice the next time.”
The man’s booming laugh followed them as she pulled forward and out of the drive-up.
“That was fun.”
“Ali is a character,” Marshall said. “He came to Shelter Springs twenty years ago after his wife and only son died in a car accident in India and has been here ever since. He’s always been very kind to everyone at the sheriff’s department.”
She had a feeling by their brief interaction that the man was particularly fond of Marshall.
“Where would you like to eat?” she asked.
“Your idea of one of the lakeside pullouts was a good one.”
Traffic in Shelter Springs was light as she drove through town on the way back to Haven Point. Not long after, she found the perfect spot, a picnic area with a lovely view. The road crew had cleared the snow off the small stretch of pavement, though Lake Haven in the wintertime wasn’t exactly picnic-friendly.
She parked overlooking the lake and for a moment she simply enjoyed the view.
Lake Haven was beautiful in the summer, when the evergreen forests were green and lush, but the winter was simply stunning, especially the vivid contrast between the lake’s unearthly blue and the sparkling white of the new snow.
They ate in silence in the car for a moment, both absorbed by the food and the peaceful surroundings.
“You’re right. Ali is a genius. This is delicious.”
“I was more hungry than I realized.”
She had to smile at that. “You sound like Will. He’ll insist he’s not hungry, that he couldn’t eat a bite, but as soon as I put food in front of him, he wolfs it down like he hasn’t had a meal in days.”
“He’s a funny kid.”
“I think so.”